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MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY GUYANA DRUG INFORMATION NETWORK (GUYDIN) 2014 ANNUAL REPORT 8/28/2015 CRIME AND SOCIAL OBSERVATORY, 2015 i FOREWORD The 2014 Report of the Drug Information Network provides statistics and analyses on the prevention and control of drug use and trafficking. It offers easier access to statistical information for all the Agencies that comprise the Drug Information Network (DIN) and supplies useful information for the development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and strategies for combating drug trafficking and drug use prevention. Statistics provide the means for Governments to assess and monitor the conditions, circumstances and trends of the well-being and the overall impact of public expenditures and policies. The collection of reliable and comprehensive statistics is of immense importance to decision-makers, since, it facilitates informed decision making and the monitoring and evaluation of policy instruments. Effective management, therefore, requires information to determine whether the goals and objectives are being achieved in a timely and cost effective manner, and whether the resources are being used efficiently and effectively. I would like to express sincere appreciation to all who contributed to the preparation of this report, in particular the staff of the Crime and Social Observatory and the Statistical Unit of the Ministry of Home Affairs who gave dedicated service in all aspects, and to the staff of the Network members who provided the relevant information. Clement J. Rohee Minister of Home Affairs ii Acknowledgement The opportunity is taken to acknowledge the contributions and express gratitude to a range of persons and agencies for their assistance in completing the 2014 Report of the Guyana Drug Information Network. For supplying data, comments, and inputs, thanks is expressed to the representative from the following agencies comprising the Task Force on Narcotics and Illicit Weapon and the Guyana Drug Information Network, viz.: Ministry of Home Affairs Secretariat; Guyana Police Force; Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU); Guyana Prison Service; Guyana Defence Force; Guyana Revenue Authority; Drug Demand Reduction Programme, Ministry of Health; Phoenix Recovery Project; Salvation Army Men’s Social Service; Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture; and Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Health. Finally, sincerest thanks and compliments to the efforts of the staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Crime and Social Observatory and Statistical Unit for their support in producing this document. iii Executive Summary The 2014 Annual report of the Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN) is a compilation of material gathered from Agencies comprising the network and is based on data on demand and supply reduction activities in Guyana. The first meeting of the Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN) was called to order at the Ministry of Home Affairs on the 21st August, 2009. Subsequently, two meetings were convened in 2009. The Network is comprised of treatment facilities, psychiatric facilities, law enforcement agencies, and agencies responsible for youth and education. Meetings of the GUYDIN are convened quarterly. The report identifies the main drug trafficked and substance abused in Guyana for the period under review, which are marijuana (cannabis) and alcohol respectively. Cannabis plants seized for the period under review amounted to 568,050 kilograms, and total of leaf cannabis seized was 9,497 kilograms 503.25 grams. The data also indicate that 246 kilograms 379 grams of cocaine (HCI); 1 kilogram 811.1 grams of crack, and 22 grams of ecstasy and derivatives were seized by Law Enforcement agencies. On the other hand, data by type of drug, disaggregated, for which persons sought treatment reveal that thirty-three (33) percent of those persons were treated for alcohol abuse. Comparing data for 2014 with 2013 reveal that in the year 2014, there was a significant increase of 84,025.9 Kgs. or 17.36 percent in cannabis plants seized. There was also a significant increase of 8,435.28Kgs. in the quantity of leaf cannabis (grass) seized for 2014. Noteworthy, however, was the significant decrease in the seizure of cocaine (HCI), 865 Kgs 61 grams, in 2014 when compared to 2013. Analysis of data from law enforcement agencies indicate that 310 persons were charged for drug possession for the period under review. Of that number, 304 (98%) were charged for possession of marijuana (cannabis) and 6 (2%) were charged for possession of crack. Law Enforcement data indicate that persons convicted for drug possession increased by 33 persons (14.4%) in 2014 when compared to figures in the year 2013. iv Data received from Law enforcement agencies indicate that 351 persons were charged for drug trafficking for the period under review. Of that number, 224 (63.8%) were charged for marijuana (cannabis), 78 (22.2%) for crack and 49 (14.0%) for cocaine hydrochloride. According to the data, there was a 13.9 percent decrease in the number of persons convicted for drug trafficking when compared to the year 2013. The data indicate a 14.5 percent increase in persons convicted of trafficking marijuana and an increase of 12 persons convicted of trafficking cocaine (HCI) in 2014, when compared to the previous year. However, there was a decrease of 91.7 percent of persons convicted in the trafficking of crack in the year 2014 when compared to the year 2013. Phoenix Recovery Project, Salvation Army Men’s Centre, and Georgetown Public Hospital are the main treatment centres for rehabilitating drug users. In 2014, a total of one hundred and eighty five (185) persons were treated for drug and substance abuse. One hundred and seventy two (172) or 93 per cent of the persons treated for drug and substance abuse addiction were males, and thirteen (13) or 7 per cent were females. Disaggregated by Age, the data reveal that seventy five (75) percent of persons treated were above 25 years; seventeen (17) percent were between the age of 19 - 25 years, and eight (8) percent were 18 years and below. v Contents Foreword………………………………………………………………………………………….. i Acknowledgement………………………………………………………………………………...ii Executive Summary………………………………………………………………………………iii List of Charts……………………………………………………………………………………..vi List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………………viii List of Abbreviations and Acronyms……………………………………………………………...x Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..1 Country Profile Guyana’s Drug Information Network Overall Seizures, Charges, Convictions, and Drug Eradications………………………………....6 Report: Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU)………………………………………………….13 Report: Guyana Police Force…………………………………………………………………….17 Report: Guyana Prison Service…………………………………………………………………..22 Report: Guyana Revenue Authority…………………………………………………………….. 25 Comparative Analysis – 2013/2014……………………………………………………………...26 Overall Treatment at centres by gender, age….............................................................................34 Report: Phoenix Recovery Project………………………………………………………………40 Report: Ministry of Health – GPHC……………………………………………………………..41 Report: Salvation Army Men’s Social Centre………………………………………………… 43 Summary and Recommendations………………………………………………………………. 45 vi List of Charts 1. Number of Seizures by Type of Drug, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014……………………………. 2. Persons Charged for Drug Possession by Occupation, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014…………… 3. Customs Anti Narcotic Unit Number of Seizures by Type of Drug, Jan.1 to Dec. 31, 2014………………………………………………………………………………………… 4. Quantity of Drugs Seized by Customs Anti Narcotic Unit by Type, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014………………………………………………………………………………………… 5. Guyana Police Force Number of Seizures by Type of Drug, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014………………………………………………………………………………………… 6. Areas Eradicated, Abandoned or otherwise Removed from Illicit Cultivation by Geographic Location……………………………………………………………………….. 7. Quantity of Drugs for which persons were Remanded, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014…………... 8. Quantity of Drugs for which persons were Convicted, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014…………… 9. Quantity of Drugs Seized in the years 2013 and 2014……………………………………... 10. Persons charged for drug possession by type of drug for the year 2013 and 2014………… 11. Persons convicted by type of drug for the year 2013 and 2014……………………………. 12. Persons charged for Drug Trafficking for the year 2013 and 2014………………………... 13. Number of persons Convicted by Type of Drug for 2013, 2014………………………….. 14. Distribution of Persons Treated at Centres by Gender, 2014 (N=185)……………………. 15. Distribution of Persons Treated at Centres by Age Category, 2014………………………. 16. Distribution of Persons Treated at Phoenix Centre by Age Category, 2014, (40)………… 17. Distribution of Persons Treated at Salvation Army Centre by Age Category, (52)………. 18. Distribution of Persons Treated at GPHC Centre by Age Category, 2014, (93)………….. vii 19. Distribution of Persons Treated at Centres for Substance Abuse by Type of Drugs, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014…………………………………………………………......................... 20. Distribution of Persons Treated at Phoenix Centre for Substance Abuse by Type of Drugs, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014…………………………………………………………... 21. Distribution of Persons Treated at GPHC for Substance Abuse by Type of Drugs, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014…………………………………………………………......................... 22. Distribution of Persons Treated at Salvation Army Centre for Substance Abuse by Type of Drugs, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014……………………………………………………… viii List of Tables 1. Quantity of Drugs Seized by Type of Drug, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014………………….. 2. Persons Charged for Drug Possession by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 ………………………………………………. 3. Persons Convicted for Drug Possession by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 ………………………………………………. 4. Persons Charged for Drug Trafficking by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 ………………………………………………. 5. Persons Convicted for Drug Trafficking by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 ………………………………………………. 6. Persons Charged by CANU for Drug Trafficking by Type of Drug, Gender and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 ………………………………………………. 7. Persons Convicted by CANU for Drug Trafficking by Type of Drug, Gender and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 8. Quantity of Drugs Seized by the Guyana Police Force by Type, Jan.1 to Dec. 31, 2014…………………………………………………………………………………….. 9. Persons Charged for Drug Trafficking by the Guyana Police Force by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014…………………………………………... 9.1 Persons Charged for Drug Possession by the Guyana Police Force by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014…………………………………………... 10. Persons Convicted for Drug Trafficking by the Guyana Police Force by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014……………………………………. 10.1 Persons Convicted for Drug Possession by the Guyana Police Force by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014……………………………………. 11. Type of Drugs for which persons were Remanded, Jan.1 to Dec. 31, 2014…………… 12. Type of Drugs for which persons were Convicted, Jan.1 to Dec. 31, 2014…………… 13. Type of Drugs Seized in the years 2013 and 2014………………………..…………… ix 14. Persons Charged for Drug Possession by Type of Drug, Age and Gender for the year 2013…………………………………………………………………………………….. 15. Persons Convicted for Drug Possession by Type of Drug, Age and Gender for the year 2013……………………………………………………………………………….. 16. Persons Charged for Drug Trafficking by Type of Drug, Age and Gender for the year 2013…………………………………………………………………………………….. 17. Persons Convicted for Drug Possession by Type of Drug, Age and Gender for the year 2013……………………………………………………………………………….. 18. Distribution of Persons Treated at Centres by Gender, 2014 (N=185) 19. Phoenix: Number of Persons Treated for Alcohol and Drug Related Problems, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014……………………………………………………………………….. 20. GPHC: Number of Persons Treated for Alcohol and Drug Related Problems, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014………………………………………………………………………….. 21. Salvation Army: Number of Persons Treated for Alcohol and Drug Related Problems, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014………………………………………………………………… x List of Abbreviations and Acronyms The following abbreviations and acronyms have been used in this Report: CANU Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit CICAD Inter American Drug Abuse Control Commission CARICOM Caribbean Community DIN Drug Information Network GUYDIN Guyana Drug Information Network GDP Gross Domestic Product HCL Hydrochloride HDI Human Development Index INRA Information Needs and Resources Analysis Kg Kilogram OID Inter American Observatory on Drugs OAS Organization of American States WHO World Health Organization 1 Introduction The 2014 Report of the Drug Information Network is a compilation of data gathered from several agencies involved in the prevention and control of drug use and trafficking. The reporting period is January 1 to December 31, 2014. The Report is divided into five (5) major sections: (i) An introduction that features general country information and background information on the Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN); (ii) A section on supply reduction which covers drug interdiction, eradication and surveillance; (iii) A comparative analysis of supply reduction- 2013/2014 (iv) A demand reduction section which covers prevention and treatment programmes, and (v) A final section on the Report’s summary and recommendations. Country Profile Guyana is a country located on the northern coast of South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the north, between Suriname and Venezuela to the east and west respectively, and Brazil to the south. It is the only English-speaking country on the South American continent and is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Though physically a part of South America, culturally, Guyana is more Caribbean than Latin American. Covering an area of 214,970 square kilometres, the country’s terrain is mostly rolling highlands, together with the low coastal plain in the north and the savannah in the south. The coastal plain, which is 2.4 metres below sea level at high tides, is where the country’s capital, Georgetown, is situated and where most of the commercial activities take place. The hilly sand and clay area is noted for its white sand and bauxite ore, the highland region is mainly mineral rich dense rainforest, and the interior savannah is characterised by grasslands interspersed with trees, lakes, and rivers. The local climate is tropical and is generally hot and humid, though moderated by the north-eastern trade winds along the coast. There are two rainy seasons, the first from May to mid-August, and the second from mid-November to mid-January. 2 Guyana has a multi-racial population, which according to Guyana Population & Housing Census 2012 Preliminary Report, is approximately 747,884. Guyana’s coastland population for census 2012 is 666,261 persons. Over 89 per cent of the population lives along the coastland with the interior region being heavily forested and sparsely populated. The country is divided into 10 administrative regions. A significant portion of the population resides in region 4 (41.9 per cent) and region 6 (14.6 per cent). Population density is highest in region 4 (140 persons per square Km), and lowest in region 9 (0.42 persons per square Km). The urban centres contain 26.4 per cent of the population, while 73.6 per cent of the total population is considered rural. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Guyana expanded 3.60 percent in 2014 from the previous year 5.20. GDP Annual Growth Rate in Guyana averaged 2.20 percent from 1961 until 2014. Guyana falls in the medium Human Development Index (HDI) category with an HDI of 0.638 in 2014. According to WHO, life expectancy rates, in Guyana, over the past decade or so have seen remarkable improvements; and this is due to a number of factors. Guyana has a life expectancy rate of close to 71 years. Critical interventions in the health sector has allowed for further improvements in health care delivery, which resulted in life expectancy rates going up to about 64 for males and 71 for females. Guyana can now boast of a life expectancy rate that is similar to many other Caricom countries with a gap of only between two and five years compared to the highest ranking countries in the world. 3 Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN) In the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism 2006 it was recommended that the Ministry of Home Affairs should develop and implement an integrated system to collect, analyse, maintain and disseminate drug related statistics. In order to facilitate the Development of a Drug Information Network in Guyana, a Drug Information Needs and Resources Analysis (INRA) for Guyana was completed with the intention of establishing Guyana’s capacity for collecting information on drug abuse. The INRA was used as a mechanism to create an inventory of potential data sources to the Drug Information Network. Thus, in preliminary meetings for the setting up of the GUYDIN, all concerned institutions expressed their support and their willingness to contribute to a centralized database. The examination of data sources, through the INRA, revealed that there was a poorly developed infrastructure for data collection activities in targeted institutions. It was found that data collection activities at agency levels needed improvement. Some institutions compiled their data manually whilst others have partially computerized systems. Providing data entry software and training in data entry and analysis was seen to be helpful to ensure the easy access to data, ultimately leading to the improvement of data collection at the agency level. Eventually, the Inter-American Observatory on Drugs (OID), Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) / Organisation of American States (OAS) commissioned the development of a Drug Information Network (DIN) in Guyana through the Ministry of Home Affairs. The overarching goal of the DIN is to develop national drug information systems and foster systematic research on the drug problem for the purpose of monitoring trends, developing policy, and implementing appropriate programmes and responses. On the 21st August, 2009, the first meeting of the Guyana Drug Information Network was called to order at the DIN Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs. In 2011, a decision was taken at a meeting of the Task Force on Narcotic and Illicit weapons to base the Drug Information Network in the Crime and Social Observatory. The Crime and Social Observatory was established in 2007 as part of the Citizen Security Programme aligned to the Ministry of Home Affairs. 4 The purpose of the Crime and Social Observatory is to enhance the collection, compilation and analysis of key public safety indicators. The Network is comprised of treatment facilities, psychiatric facilities, agencies responsible for youth and education and law enforcement agencies. The following is a list of agencies that comprise the Drug Information Network: Treatment Facilities i. Drug Demand Reduction Programme, Ministry of Health ii. Phoenix Recovery Project iii. Salvation Army Men’s Social Service Psychiatric Facilities i. Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Youth and Education i. Ministry of Education ii. Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, Law Enforcement Agencies i. Ministry of Home Affairs ii. Guyana Police Force iii. Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) iv. Guyana Prison Service v. Guyana Defence Force vi. Guyana Revenue Authority, Drug Enforcement Unit vii. Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Health 5 SECTION 1 – SUPPLY REDUCTION 6 Overall Seizures, Charges, Convictions, and Drug Eradications Overall, there were seven hundred and nineteen (719) seizures by Law enforcement agencies. The most prevalent drug seized was Leaf cannabis (grass). Law enforcement made five hundred and twelve (512) seizures of leaf cannabis (grass). This amounted to 71 percent of all seizures for the period under review. There were 117 seizures of crack amounting to 16 percent of all seizures, and 82 seizures of Cocaine (HCI) amounting to 11 percent of all seizures. Chart 1: Number of Seizures by Type of Drug, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 600 512 Number of Seizures 500 400 300 200 117 100 82 7 1 0 Cocaine HCI Crack Cannabis plants Type of Drug 2014 Leaf Cannabis (grass) MDMA (ecstasy) and derivatives 7 Concerning the quantity of drugs seized, the data reveal that total cocaine (HCI) seized for the period under review amounted to 246 kg 379 grams and for crack 1kg 811.1 grams. Overall, the data indicate that 568,050 kg of cannabis plants, 9497 kg 503.25 grams of Leaf cannabis (grass), and 22 grams of MDMA (ecstasy) and derivatives were seized by Law Enforcement agencies. Table 1: Quantity of Drugs Seized by Type of Drug, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Quantity of Drugs Seized Kg Grams Cocaine HCI 246 379 Crack 1 811.1 Cannabis plants 568,050 Leaf Cannabis (grass) 9,497 503.25 MDMA (ecstasy) and derivatives 22 Type of Drug Seized Persons Charged by the Law Enforcement Agencies for Drug Possession Analysis of data from law enforcement agencies indicate that 310 persons were charged for drug possession for the period under review. Of that amount, 304 (98%) were charged for possession of marijuana (cannabis) and 6 (2%) were charged for possession of crack. Of the persons charged for drug possession, 288 (92.9%) were males and 22 (7.1%) were females. For the males 35 (12.2%) were from the 18 years and younger age category, 62 (21.5%) were from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 191 (66.3%) were from the greater than 25 years old age group. For the females, 2 (9.1%) were from the 18 years and younger age category, 3 (13.6%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 17 (77.3%) from the greater than 25 years old age group. With regards to persons charged for the possession of marijuana (cannabis), 283 (93.1%) were males and 21 (6.9%) were females. Analysis of the data further reveals that 33 (11.6%) of the males charged for marijuana (cannabis) possession were from the 18 years and younger age 8 group, 59 (20.8%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 191 (67.6%) from the older than 25 years old age group. The data also show that females charged for marijuana (cannabis) possession 1 (4.8%) was from the 18 years and younger age group, 3 (14.3%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 17 (80.9%) from the older than 25 years old age group. Of the 6 persons charged for the possession of crack, only one was female. Disaggregating the data further reveals that 2 (40%) of the males charged for possession of crack were from the 18 years and younger age group while 3 (60%) were from the 19 to 25 years old age group. The one female charged for the possession of crack belongs to the 18 years old and younger age group. Table 2: Persons charged for Drug Possession by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Crack Total Persons Charged Male Female ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old years old years old 33 59 191 1 3 17 2 3 0 1 0 0 35 62 191 2 3 17 Total 304 6 310 About the employment status of those charged for drug possession, 165 (53%) were not gainfully employed while 131(42%) had other occupations. This high prevalence of unemployed individuals among persons charged for drug possession points to the bundling of social problems, which, can be corrected through broad based multi-sectoral approaches. Chart 2: Persons Charged for Drug Possession by Occupation, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Other Occupations, 131, 42% Not Gainfully Employed, 165, 53% Students, 8, 3% Other Professionals, 3, 1% Unskilled Workers, 2, 1% 9 Persons Convicted for Drug Possession Law enforcement data indicate that 262 persons were convicted for drug possession for the period under review. Of that number, 248 (94.7%) were convicted for marijuana (cannabis) and 14 (5.3%) were convicted for the possession of crack. Table 3: Persons Convicted for Drug Possession by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Crack Total Persons Convicted Male Female ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old years old years old 30 96 116 1 2 3 2 7 4 1 32 103 120 1 3 3 Total 248 14 262 Of the persons convicted for drug possession, 255 (97.3%) were males and 7 (2.7%) were females. For the males 32 (12.5%) were from the 18 years and younger age group, 103 (40.4%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 120 (47.1%) from the older than 25 years old age group. For the females charged for drug possession, 1 (14.3%) was from the 18 years and younger age group while 3 (42.9%) each were from the 19 to 25 years old age group and the greater than 25 years old age group. With regards to persons convicted for the possession of marijuana (cannabis), 242 (97.6%) were males while 6 (2.4%) were females. The data further reveal that 30 (12.4%) of the males convicted for marijuana (cannabis) possession were from the 18 years old and younger age group, 96 (39.7%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 116 (47.9%) from the older than 25 years old age group. For the females convicted for marijuana (cannabis) possession, the data shows that 1 (16.7%) person was from the 18 years and younger age group, 2 (33.3%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 3 (50%) from the older than 25 years old age group. For persons convicted for the possession of crack, 13 (92.9%) were males while 1 (7.1%) was female. Disaggregating the data reveals that 2 (15.4%) of the males convicted were from the 18 years and younger age group, 7 (53.8%) from the 19 to 2 years old age group and 4 (30.8%) from 10 the older than 25 years old age group. The one female convicted for possession of crack belonged to the 19 to 25 years old age group. 11 Persons Charged for Drug Trafficking Data from Law Enforcement agencies indicate that 351 persons were charged for drug trafficking for the period under review. Of that number, 224 (63.8%) were charged for marijuana (cannabis), 78 (22.2%) for crack and 49 (14.0%) for cocaine hydrochloride. Table 4: Persons Charged for Drug Trafficking by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan.1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Cocaine Hydrochloride Crack Total Persons Charged Male Female ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old years old years old 15 42 126 3 9 29 4 12 12 1 4 16 5 14 50 2 2 5 24 68 188 6 15 50 Total 224 49 78 351 Of the persons charged for drug trafficking, 280 were males and 71 were females. For the males 24 (8.6%) were from the 18 years and younger age group, 68 (24.3%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 188 (67.1%) from the older than 25 years old age group. The data also show that for the females charged for drug trafficking 6 (8.5%) were from the 18 years and younger age group, 15 (21.1%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 50 (70.4%) from the older than 25 years old age group. With regards to the persons charged for trafficking in marijuana (cannabis), 183 (81.7%) were males while 41 (18.3%) were females. The data further reveals that 15 (8.2%) of the males charged for marijuana (cannabis) trafficking were from the 18 years old and younger age category, 42 (22.9%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 126 (68.9%) from the older than 25 years old age group. The data also show that for the females charged for marijuana (cannabis) trafficking, 3 (7.3%) were in the 18 years old and younger age group, 9 (21.9%) in the 19 to 25 years old age group and 29 (70.8%) in the older than 25 years old age group. 12 Data on trafficking in cocaine (HCI) show that 28 (57%) of the persons charged were males while 21 (43%) were females. The breakdown by age and sex shows that 4 (14%) of the males charged for cocaine hydrochloride trafficking were from the 18 years old and younger age group and 12 (43%) each from the 19 to 25 years old age group and the older than 25 years old age group. For the females charged for trafficking in cocaine hydrochloride, 1 (5%) was from the 18 years and younger age group, 4 (19%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 16 (76%) from the older than 25 years old age group. Analysis of the data on persons charged for trafficking in crack reveals that 69 (88%) were males while 9 (12%) were females. Further disaggregation indicated that 5 (7%) of the males charged were from the 18 years and younger age group, 14 (20%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 50 (73%) from the older than 25 years old age group. The data also show that for the females charged for trafficking in crack, 2 (22.2%) each were from the 18 years and younger age group and the 19 to 25 years old age group while 5 (55.6%) were from the older than 25 years old age group. Persons Convicted for Drug Trafficking Overall, 80 persons were convicted for drug trafficking for the reporting period. Of that number, 63 (78.8%) were convicted for trafficking in marijuana (cannabis), 14 (17.5%) for trafficking in cocaine hydrochloride and 3 (3.7%) for trafficking in crack. Table 5: Persons Convicted for Drug Trafficking by Type of Drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan.1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Cocaine Hydrochloride Crack Total Persons Convicted Male Female ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old years old years old 4 26 28 0 3 2 1 4 7 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 5 31 37 0 4 3 Total 63 14 3 80 13 Of the persons convicted for drug trafficking, 73 (91%) were males and 7 (9%) were females. For the males 5 (6.8%) were from the 18 years and younger age group, 31 (42.5%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group, and 37 (50.7%) from the older than 25 years old age group. For the females 4 (57%) were from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 3 (43%) from the older than 25 years old age group. With regard to the persons convicted for trafficking in marijuana 58 (92%) were males and 5 (8%) were females. The data further reveal that for the males convicted for trafficking in marijuana (cannabis), 4 (6.9%) were males from the 18 years old and younger age group, 26 (44.9%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 28 (48.2%) from the older than 25 years old age group. The data also show that for the females convicted for trafficking in marijuana (cannabis) 3 (60%) were in the 19 to 25 years old age group while 2 (40%) were in the older than 25 years old age group. Data on the trafficking of cocaine hydrochloride show that 12 (86%) of the persons convicted were males while 2 (14%) were females. The breakdown by age and sex show that 1 (8.3%) of the males convicted for cocaine hydrochloride was from the 18 years and younger age group, 4 (33.3%) from the 19 to 25 years old age group and 7 (58.4%) from the older than 25 years old age group. For the females, there was 1 each from the 19 to 25 years old age group and the older than 25 years old age group that was convicted for trafficking in cocaine hydrochloride. Overall, all the persons convicted for trafficking in crack were males. 1 person was from the 19 to 25 years old age group, while 2 persons were from the older than 25 years old age group. The majority of persons charged and convicted for drug trafficking were Guyanese. The data indicate that 98.5% of the persons charged were Guyanese and 100 % of the persons convicted were Guyanese. 14 CANU Seizures (2014) Ogle Georgetown CJIA Map Indicating CANU’s Main Seizure Sites Number of Seizures and Type of Drugs Seized The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit data reveal that the agency made 49 seizures for the period under review. The chart below shows that there were 43 seizures of Cocaine HCI, and 6 seizures of Cannabis Leaf. Chart 3: Customs Anti Narcotic Unit Number of Seizures by Type of Drug, Jan.1 to Dec. 31, 2014 50 45 40 35 30 25 43 20 15 10 5 6 0 Cocaine HCI Cannabis Leaf Type of Drug 15 Quantity of Drugs Seized The data indicate that 106 Kgs.1145grams of drugs was seized by CANU for the reporting period. Of that amount, 94 Kgs.921grams of Cocaine HCI, and 12Kgs. 224grams of Cannabis Leaf were seized by the agency, as represented by the chart below. Quantity of Drugs Seized (kg) Chart 4: Quantity of Drugs Seized by Customs Anti Narcotic Unit by Type, Jan.1 to Dec.31, 2014 94.921 100 80 60 40 20 12.224 0 Cannabis Cocaine HCI Type of Drugs Persons Charged for Drug Trafficking and Possession CANU reported that 25 persons were charged for drug trafficking and one (1) person was charged for drug possession. Table 6: Persons charged by CANU for Drug trafficking by type of drug, gender and age group, Jan.1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Cocaine Hydrochloride Total Persons Charged Male Female 19 to 25 > 25 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old 1 3 1 1 6 7 2 4 7 10 3 5 16 Of those charged for drug trafficking, seventeen (17) were males and eight (8) were women. Ten (10) of the males charged were greater than 25 years old, while seven (7) were within the 19 to 25 age group. With regard to females arrested for drug trafficking, five (5) were greater than 25 years old while three (3) were within the 19 to 25 age group. Overall, of the 25 persons charged for drug trafficking, through CANU’s activities, 15 were greater than 25 years old. Concerning drug possession, one male was charged by CANU, and that male was between the 19 to 25 years old age group. Persons Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Possession CANU data reveal that 3 persons were convicted for drug trafficking and 1 person was convicted for drug possession. Table 7: Persons convicted by CANU for Drug trafficking by type of drug, gender and age group, Jan. 1 to Dec.31, 2014 Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Cocaine Hydrochloride Total Persons Convicted Male Female 19 to 25 > 25 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old 0 2 2 0 1 1 Of those convicted for drug trafficking, two were males and 1 female. Both of the males convicted were greater than 25 years old, likewise the female. Overall, the 3 persons convicted for drug trafficking were greater than 25 years old. The lone person convicted for drug possession was a male within the 19 to 25 years old age group. 17 Specialized Training The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) facilitated 6 training programmes, with target population as Law enforcement. Overall, 10 persons received training in the following courses: Container Control Programme; Airport Interdiction; Anti-Drug Unit Programme; Cybercrime Training, RCMP Surveillance Techniques; Intelligence Gathering & Analysis. Aerial and Maritime Monitoring and Interdiction For the period under review, there was an aerial reconnaissance over the Demerara River conducted by a joint CANU/GDF initiative. Nonetheless, there were no items seized or decommissioned. Additionally, there was a CANU/GDF collaborative maritime operation in the Waini River that resulted in the seizure of a Self propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) vessel. SPSS Vessel 18 GPF Seizures (2014) Number of Seizures and Type of Drugs Seized The Guyana Police Force data reveal that the agency made 670 seizures for the period under review. The chart below shows that there were 506 seizures of Leaf Cannabis (grass), 117 seizures of Crack, 39 seizures of Cocaine HCI, 7 seizures of Cannabis plants and 1 seizure of MDMA (Ecstasy) and derivatives. Chart 5: Guyana Police Force Number of Seizures by Type of Drug, Jan to Dec. 2014 600 500 400 300 506 200 100 117 39 7 1 Crack Cocaine (HCI) Cannabis plants MDMA (Ecstasy) and derivatives 0 Leaf Cannabis (grass) Type of Drug 19 Quantity of Drugs Seized The data indicate that 577,687 Kgs 1,570 grams of drugs was seized by the GPF for the reporting period. Of this amount, 568,050 Kgs of Cannabis plants, 9,485 Kgs 279.25 grams of Leaf Cannabis (grass), 151 Kgs 458 grams of Cocaine HCI, 1Kg 811.1 grams, and 22 grams of MDMA (Ecstasy) and derivatives were seized by the agency, as represented by the table below. Table 8: Quantity of Drugs Seized by the Guyana Police Force by Type, Jan.1 to Dec.31, 2014 Type of Drug Cannabis plants Leaf Cannabis (grass) Cocaine (HCI) Crack MDMA (Esctasy) and derivatives Total Quantity of Drugs Seized Kilogrammes Grams 568,050 9,485 279.25 151 458 1 811.1 0 22 577,687 1,570 Persons Charged for Drug Trafficking and Possession The Guyana Police Force reported that 326 persons were charged for drug trafficking and 309 persons were charged for drug possession. Table 9: Persons Charged for Drug trafficking by the Guyana Police Force by the Type of drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Persons Charged Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Cocaine Hydrochloride Crack Total ≤ 18 years old 15 4 5 24 Male 19 to 25 years old 41 6 14 61 Female > 25 ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old 123 3 8 28 5 1 2 12 50 2 2 5 178 6 12 45 Of those charged for drug trafficking, 263 were males and 63 were females. 24 of the males charged were 18 years old and younger, 61 were between 19 to 25 years old, and 178 were older than 25 years old. With regard to females charged for drug trafficking, 6 were 18 years old and younger, while 12 were within the 19 to 25 age group, and 45 were greater than 25 years old. 20 Overall, of the 326 persons charged for drug trafficking by the Guyana Police Force, 223 were older than 25 years old. Table 9.1: Persons Charged for Drug Possession by the Type of drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Persons Charged Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Crack Total ≤ 18 years old 33 2 35 Male 19 to 25 years old 58 3 61 Female > 25 ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old 191 1 3 17 1 191 2 3 17 Concerning drug possession, for the males charged, 35 persons were eighteen years and younger, 61 were within the 19 to 25 years age group, while 191 were older than 25 years old. For the females charged for drug possession, 2 were eighteen years old and younger, while 3 were within the 19 to 25 years old age group, and 17 persons in the greater than 25 years old group. Persons Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Possession The Guyana Police Force data reveal that 77 persons were convicted for drug trafficking and 261 persons were convicted for drug possession. Table 10: Persons Convicted for Drug trafficking by the Guyana Police Force by Type of drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2014 Persons Convicted Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Cocaine Hydrochloride Crack Total ≤ 18 years old 4 1 5 Male 19 to 25 years old 26 4 1 31 Female > 25 ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old 28 3 2 5 1 2 35 0 4 2 Of those convicted for drug trafficking, 71 were males and 6 were females. For the males, 5 persons were 18 years old and younger, 31 were between the 19 to 25 years old age group, while 35 persons were older than 25 years old. With regards to the females, 4 persons were within the 19 to 25 years old age group while 2 persons were older than 25 years old. Overall, of the 77 persons convicted for drug trafficking, 37 were above 25 years old. 21 Table 10.1: Persons Convicted for Drug Possession by the Type of drug, Sex and Age Group, Jan 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Persons Convicted Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Crack Total ≤ 18 years old 30 2 32 Male 19 to 25 years old 95 7 102 Female > 25 ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old 116 1 2 3 4 1 120 1 3 3 For the persons convicted for drug possession, 254 were males while 7 were females. For the males, 32 persons were 18 years old and younger, 102 were between the 19 to 25 years old age group, while 120 persons were older than 25 years old. For the females, 1 person was 18 years old and younger, while 3 each were between the 19 to 25 years old age group and the older than 25 years old age group. Specialised Training on the Control of Illicit Drug Trafficking A total of five (5) ranks from Law Enforcement agencies received training on Drug Trafficking, Border Operational Level, Advance Narcotics Investigation Course (DEA), Targeting Container and Control Training, Interviewing and Interrogation, and Airport Interdiction Course for the period under review. Seizure of Weapons, Equipment, Money and Real Estate There were three (3) drug related seizures of firearms for the period under review, however, there were no seizures of other weapons, cartridges or projectiles. Seizures of equipment included: 10 scales, 4 water pumps, and 1 generator. There were no seizures of counterfeit notes. 22 Areas Eradicated, Abandoned, or Otherwise Removed from Illicit Cultivation by Type of Plant and Geographical Location. The analysis in this subsection is based on cannabis eradication, since this is the only drug cultivated here. The data point out that Region 6 was the area with the highest number of cannabis plants destroyed. In Region 6, for the eradication of cultivation of illicit drugs, a total of 155,500 plants were removed manually, followed by Region 4 where 59,000 plants were manually removed from cultivation. The other area where there was substantial eradication of the cultivation of illicit drugs was Region 10 where 10,000 plants were manually removed from cultivation. Chart 6: Areas Eradicated, Abandoned or otherwise Removed from Illicit Cultivation by Geographic Location Region 10, 10,000, 5% Region 4, 59,000, 26% Region 6, 155,500, 69% The specific area with the highest number of acres removed from the illicit cultivation of drugs in a single operation was Gateroy, Berbice River in Region 6 where 144,000 plants were removed from cultivation. Aerial and Maritime Monitoring and Interdiction For the period under review, no aerial anti-drug interdiction operation was carried out. 23 Guyana Prison Service Remanded Prisoners with Narcotics Cases for 2014 The Guyana Prison Service data, in the graph below, indicate that persons were remanded for 405Kg. 539.53 grams of drugs during the period under review. Of that amount, cocaine was the most significant drug - 379kg 99.1 grams. This was followed by cannabis - 22 kg 347.43 grams, and Other drugs - 4 kg 93 grams. Chart 7: Quantity of drugs for which persons were Remanded, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 400 350 300 250 200 379.1 150 100 50 Number of Kilogram s (kg) of Drugs 22.347 4.93 0 Cannabis Cocaine Type of Drug Other 24 As shown in the table below, in the month of July, 271kg. 57grams of cocaine was the highest amount of drugs for which prisoners were remanded. Table 11: Type of Drugs for which persons were Remanded, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Month Kg 2 2 January February March April May June July August September October November December Total 2 1 6 1 1 1 16 Cannabis Grams 730 27.792 322.082 897.5 207.5 630 577 948.16 746 443 349.4 469 6347.434 Type of Drug Cocaine Kg Grams 2 264.93 56 558 1 49.5 71.596 47 974 271 57 29.148 63.4 1 8.192 21.3 1 377 2099.066 Other Kg Grams 480.5 1 303 2 436.5 196.5 510 3 1926.5 Convicted Prisoners with Narcotics Cases for 2014 The Guyana Prison Service data in the bar graph below indicate that persons were convicted for 12Kg. 167 grams of drugs during the period under review. Of that amount, cannabis – 12Kg. 22 grams was the most significant drug. This was followed by Other type of drugs - 81grams, and cocaine - 64 grams. Chart 8: drugs 14 Measured in Kilograms (kg) Quantity of for which persons Convicted, 1 to Dec. 2014 12 were Jan. 31, 10 8 6 12.23 4 2 0.64 0.81 Cocaine Other 0 Cannabis Type of Drug 25 In the month of May, as represented in the table below, 2kg.157.5 grams of cannabis was the highest amount of drugs for which prisoners were convicted. Table 12: Type of Drugs for which persons were Convicted, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, Month January February March April May June July August September October November December 2014 Total Cannabis Kg Grams 147 1 242 665.5 418 2 157.5 1 730.67 2 73.22 18.21 1 282.8 875.2 1 38.9 576.7 8 4225.7 Type of Drug Cocaine Kg Grams 6 42 10.25 52 459 Other Kg Grams 5.5 0.5 2.5 5 1.5 14 0 10.04 4 14.5 19.5 20.8 638.09 290 22 470 0 811 26 Guyana Revenue Authority – Drug Enforcement Unit For the year 2014, there were no reported seizures undertaken by the Agency, nevertheless, pertinent activities continued. 27 Comparative Analysis 2013/2014 Quantity of Drugs Seized When comparing 2014 with the year 2013, there was an increase of 91,581.8 kgs or 18.83 percent of drugs seized by law enforcement agencies in 2014. Chart 9: Quantity of Drugs Seized in the years 2013 and Number of Kilograms seized 600000 580000 560000 540000 520000 577795.7 500000 480000 460000 486213.9 440000 2013 2014 Year 2014+ In the year 2014, there was a significant increase of 84,025.9 kgs. or 17.36 percent in cannabis plants seized when compared to 2013. There was also a significant increase of 8435.28Kgs. in the quantity of leaf cannabis (grass) seized for 2014 when compared to 2013. In 2014, there were no seizures of cannabis (seeds), cannabis resin (hashish) and LSD when compared to the seizures in 2013. Noteworthy, however, there was a significant decrease in the seizure of cocaine (HCI), 865 Kgs 61 grams, in 2014 when compared to 2013. 28 Table 13: Type of Drugs Seized in the years 2013 and 2014 Quantity of Drugs Seized 2013 2014 Kg Grams Kg Grams Cocaine HCI 1,111 440 246 379 Crack 1 586 1 811.1 Cannabis plants 484,024 10 568,050 Leaf Cannabis (grass) 1061 72 9,497 503.25 Cannabis (seeds) 13 382 Cannabis Resin (Hashish) 1.2 Other 1 0.375 22 LSD 1 375 Total 486,212 1,867 577,794 1,715 Type of Drug Seized Persons charged for Drug Possession The number of persons charged for drug possession dropped by 32.6 percent in 2014 when compared to figures in 2013. Contributing to the decline in the number of persons charged for drug possession in 2014 were a 25 percent fall in persons charged for marijuana (cannabis) possession and a 89 percent reduction of persons charged for crack possession when compared to the year 2013. 29 Chart 10: Persons charged for drug possession by type of drug for the year 2013 and 500 Number of Persons Charged 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 460 405 2013 310 304 2014 100 50 55 6 0 Marijuana (Cannabis) Crack Total Type of Drug 2014 Of the persons charged for drug possession, there was a reduction of 31.3 percent of males charged in 2014 when compared to the previous year. When 2014 is compared to 2013 there was a 47.6 percent decrease in the number of females charged for drug possession in 2014. For the males, there was a significant increase of 30 males in the 18 years and younger age group in 2014 when compared to the previous year. It was noted, however, that in both years, the majority of male and female offenders came from the older than 25 years old age category. Table 14: Persons charged for Drug Possession by Type of Drug, Age, and Gender for the year 2013 Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Crack Total Persons Charged in 2013 Male Female ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old years old years old 3 125 244 1 10 22 1 10 36 0 1 7 4 135 280 1 11 29 Total 405 55 460 Persons convicted for Drug Possession The number of persons convicted for drug possession increased by 33 persons (14.4%) in 2014 when compared to figures in the year 2013. It can also be noted that in the year 2014, there was 30 a significant increase of 62 persons (33.3%) convicted of marijuana when compared to the year 2013. Chart 11: Persons convicted by Type of Drug for the year 2013 and 2014 Number of Persons Convicted 300 Of the 250 200 262 248 229 186 150 100 2013 50 2014 1 4 10 2014 8 0 persons Type of Drug convicted for drug possession, there was an increase of 25 percent of males charged in 2014 when compared to the previous year. When 2014 is compared to 2013 there was an 82.4 percent decrease in the number of females charged for drug possession in 2014. For the males there was a significant increase of 30 males in the 18 years and younger age group in 2014 when compared to the previous year. It was noted, however, that in both years the majority of male and female offenders came from the older than 25 years old age category. 31 Table 15: Persons convicted for Drug Possession by Type of Drug, Age, and Gender for the year 2013 Type of Drug Marijuana (Cannabis) Crack Smoking Cocaine Cocaine Utensils Smoking Cannabis Cannabis Cultivation Total Persons Convicted in 2013 Male Female ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old years old years old 1 18 148 0 8 11 1 4 12 0 0 3 1 1 3 2 7 1 2 4 2 2 27 175 0 8 17 Total 186 20 1 4 10 8 229 Persons charged for Drug Trafficking The number of persons charged for drug trafficking for the year 2014 declined by 7.9 percent when compared to the year 2013. Contributing to the decline in the number of persons charged for drug trafficking was a 21.7 percent fall in the number of persons charged for trafficking in marijuana and a 13.3 percent reduction in the number of persons charged for trafficking of crack. However, it was noted that there was a significant increase of 44 persons charged in cocaine (HCI) trafficking in 2014 when compared to 2013. Chart 12: Persons charged for Drug Trafficking by Type of Drug 32 Number of Persons Charged 450 381 400 351 350 300 286 224 250 2013 200 150 2014 90 78 100 49 50 5 0 Marijuana Cocaine (HCL) Crack Total Type of Drug Of the persons charged for drug trafficking, there was a reduction of 11 percent of males charged in 2014 when compared to the previous year. When 2014 is compared to 2013 there was a 7.6 percent increase in the number of females charged for drug possession in 2014. For the males, there was a significant increase of 23 males in the 18 years and younger age group in 2014 when compared to the previous year. It was noted, however, that in both years the majority of male and female offenders came from the older than 25 years old age category. There were also 6 females charged in 2014 for drug trafficking when compared to zero females charged in the year 2013. Table 16: Persons charged for Drug Trafficking by Type of Drug, Age, and Gender for the year 2013 Persons Charged in 2013 Male Female Type of Drug ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 ≤ 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old years old years old Marijuana (Cannabis) 1 56 178 0 14 37 Cocaine Hydrochloride 0 2 2 0 0 1 Crack 0 22 54 0 1 13 Total 1 80 234 0 15 51 Persons Convicted for Drug Trafficking Total 286 5 90 381 33 Law enforcement data indicate that there was a 13.9 percent decrease in the number of persons convicted for drug trafficking when compared to the year 2013. The data indicate a 14.5 percent increase in persons convicted of trafficking marijuana and an increase of 12 persons convicted of trafficking cocaine (HCI) in 2014, when compared to the previous year. However, there was a decrease of 91.7 percent of persons convicted in the trafficking of crack in the year 2014 when compared to the year 2013. Chart 13: Number of Persons convicted by Type of Drug for 2013, 2014 Number of Persons Convicted 100 93 90 80 80 70 60 63 55 50 2013 36 40 2014 30 14 20 10 3 2 0 Marijuana Cocaine (HCL) Crack Total Type of Drug Of the persons convicted for drug trafficking, there was a reduction of 11 percent males convicted in 2014 when compared to the previous year. When 2014 is compared to 2013 there was a 14 percent decrease in the number of females charged for drug possession in 2014. For the males there was a significant increase of 5 males in the 18 years and younger age group in 2014 when compared to zero convicted males in the previous year. There were also 4 less females charged in 2014 for drug trafficking when compared to 7 females charged in the year 2013. 34 Table 17: Persons convicted for Drug Trafficking by Type of Drug, Age, and Gender for the year 2013 Persons Convicted in 2013 Male Female Type of Drug ? 18 19 to 25 > 25 ? 18 19 to 25 > 25 years old years old years old years old years old years old Marijuana (Cannabis) 0 15 33 0 3 4 Cocaine Hydrochloride 0 0 2 0 0 0 Crack 0 10 22 0 1 3 Total 0 25 57 0 4 7 Total 55 2 36 93 35 SECTION II – DEMAND REDUCTION 36 Overall Treatment at centres by Gender, Type of drug, and Age The buildings in which many afflicted persons have experienced varying degrees of redemption Phoenix Recovery Project, Salvation Army Men’s Centre and Georgetown Public Hospital are the main treatment centres for the rehabilitating drugs users. In 2014, a total of one hundred and eight five (185) persons were treated for substance abuse. One hundred and seventy-two (172) or 93 per cent of the persons treated for substance abuse addictions were males and thirteen (13) or seven (7) per cent were females. 37 Table 18: Distribution of Persons Treated at Centres by Gender, 2014 (N=185) Sex Male Female Total Phoenix 30 10 40 Salvation Army 52 0 52 GPHC 90 3 93 Total 172 13 185 Chart 14: Distribution of Persons Treated across Treatment Centres by Gender, 2014 (N= 185) 38 The Charts below show the age category of persons treated at the treatment and rehabilitation centres for substance abuse. A significant number of those treated were above 25 years old (75 per cent), while, 17 per cent were between ages 19 to 25, and 8 per cent were 18 years or younger. The Phoenix centre treated forty (40) persons for substance abuse. Of those treated, 75 percent were above 25 years; 20 percent 19 – 25 years, and 5 percent from 18 years and below category. At the Salvation Army centre, a significant number of those treated were above the 25 years agegroup (67 per cent); 19 percent from the 18 years and below, and 14 percent from the 19-25 years age group. The analysis reveals that the highest number of persons treated at GPHC was above 25 years old ( 74 or 80 per cent); 16 or 17 per cent were between ages 19-25 years old, and 3 or 3 per cent were 18 years old or younger. Chart 15: Distribution of Persons Treated across Treatment Centres by Age Category, 2014, [185] 39 Chart 16: Distribution of Persons Treated at Phoenix Centre by Age Category, 2014, [40] 35 30, 75% 30 25 20 Amount 15 8, 20% 10 5 2, 5% 0 ≤ 18 years old 19 -25 years old > 25 years old Age Categories Chart 17: Distribution of Persons Treated at Salvation Army Centre by Age Category, 2014, [52] 40 Chart 18: Distribution of Persons Treated at Georgetown Hospital Centre by Age Category, 2014, [93] Age Category 41 Chart 19: Distribution of Persons Treated across Treatment Centres by Type of Drug, 2014, The Pie chart above illustrates that alcohol (33 percent) was the drug most persons with substance abuse challenges were treated for. Nevertheless, marijuana (28 percent) was the narco drug most persons abused and were treated for. 42 Phoenix Recovery Project The Phoenix Recovery Project treats all categories of substance abusers. The table below indicates that Phoenix Recovery Project treated forty (40) cases for substance abuse addiction. The analysis reveals that thirty (30), 75 per cent of the persons treated for substance abuse were males and ten (10), or 25 percent were females. Twenty three (23) of the males treated for substance abuse were over 25 years old; six (6) were from the 19-25 years age group, and one (1) was from the 18 years and below age group. Table 19: Number of Persons Treated for Alcohol and drug related problems, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 # of cases attending specialised treatment facilities officially for problems derived from the consumption of alcohol and other drugs during the years Male Female # of Cases ≤ 18 years old 19 -25 years old > 25 years old ≤ 18 years old 19 -25 years old > 25 years old Treated Type of Drug Crack 1 3 17 0 0 2 23 Marijuana (Cannabis) 0 2 3 1 1 2 9 Alcohol 0 0 3 0 1 3 7 Prescribed Drugs 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Total # of Cases Treated 1 6 23 1 2 7 40 The chart below indicates that 57 per cent of the persons treated by Phoenix Recovery were for Crack related addiction, 22 per cent were treated for Marijuana related addiction, 18 per cent were treated for Alcohol related addiction, and 3 per cent were treated for over using prescribed drugs. Chart Alcohol 18% Marijuana (Cannabis) 22% Prescribed Drugs 3% 20: Crack 57% 43 Distribution of Persons Treated for Substance Abuse by Type of Drug, 2014 44 Ministry of Health – GPHC The Ministry of Health outpatient rehabilitation facility-Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) treated ninety-three (93) persons. Of this number, ninety (90) or 97 per cent of the persons treated were males and three (3) or 3 per cent were females. Seventy one (71) of the males treated for substance abuse were over 25 years old, sixteen (16) were from the 19-25 years age group and three (3) were from the 18 years and below age group, while, the three (3) females treated for substance abuse were over the 25 years age group. Forty-seven (47) persons were treated for alcohol related addiction, twenty one (21) were treated for tobacco related addiction, eighteen (18) were treated for marijuana related addiction and seven (7) were treated for crack related addiction. Table 20: Number of Persons Treated for Alcohol and drug related problems, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 # of cases attending specialised treatment facilities officially for problems derived from the consumption of alcohol and other drugs during the years Male Female Type of Drug ≤ 18 years old 19 -25 years old > 25 years old Alcohol 1 6 37 Tobacco 0 3 18 Marijuana (Cannabis) 1 6 11 Crack 1 1 5 Inhalants 0 0 0 Amphetamines 0 0 0 Total # of Cases Treated 3 16 71 # of Cases ≤ 18 years old 19 -25 years old > 25 years old Treated 0 0 3 47 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 18 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 93 45 The chart below indicates that fifty-one (51) per cent of the persons treated at the GPHC for substance abuse were for Alcohol; twenty-three percent (23) for Tobacco use, and the least, seven percent (7), for Crack Cocaine. Chart 21: Distribution of Persons Treated for Substance Abuse by Type of Drugs, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 46 Salvation Army Men’s Social Centre The Salvation Army Men’s Center Social Center treats all categories of substance abusers. The table below indicates that the Salvation Army Men’s Social Center treated forty (52) persons and eighty (80) cases for substance abuse addiction. The eight (80) cases from amongst fifty-two (52) persons were due to particular clients being treated for more than one type of drug simultaneously. For example, one (1) client each from the 19-25years old and >25 years old category were treated for four (4) types of substance. The analysis reveals that thirty-five (35) or sixty-seven (67) per cent of the persons treated for substance abuse were in the >25 years age group, while ten (10) or nineteen (19) percent were ≥ 18 years old. Table 21: Number of Persons Treated for Alcohol and drug related problems, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 Male ≥ 18 years old 19-25 years old 10 #of persons 7 >25 years old 35 Total #of persons treated 52 Type of drug # of cases attending specialized treatment facilities officially for # of cases problems derived from the consumption of alcohol and other Treated drugs during the year Marijuana Cocaine Alcohol Tobacco 9 Total # of cases treated 10 1 7 3 2 3 17 22 13 3 33 25 16 6 15 55 80 47 The chart below indicates that forty-one (41) per cent of the cases treated by the Salvation Army Men’s Social Center were for Marijuana related addiction, thirty-one (31) percent for Crack Cocaine, with the least amount of cases for Tobacco use – eight (8) percent. Chart 22: Distribution of Persons Treated and cases for Substance Abuse by Type of Drugs, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 48 Summary and Recommendations The Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN) 2014 Report presents information and statistics on drug supply and demand reduction. The Report’s fulcrum illustrates that marijuana was the preferred drug trafficked and the preferred narco drug among users, followed by cocaine. Notwithstanding marijuana as the preferred narco drug used, alcohol was the most abused substance. Males continue to be the gender with the highest level of substance abuse and have been the category mostly charged and convicted for drug possession and trafficking. Treatment data show that many persons requiring treatment for substance abuse were treated for cross addictions mainly alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. The trend of substance abuse by youngsters eighteen years old and below requires urgent attention by policymakers. Importantly, the Secondary Schools Drug use Survey (2013) reveals that Marijuana appeared to be the most accessible illicit drug for secondary school students with 16.3 per cent of them indicating that it would be easy to access. Additionally, survey results showed 4.9 per cent of the students said they were drunk for 6 to 10 days during a given month and 12.0 per cent said they were drunk for 11 or more days. The average age of first use of alcohol was 12.5 years in 2013. The following are recommendations that can be useful in strengthening the DIN and enhance efforts to make tangible interventions concerning drug supply and demand reduction: 1) DIN members should move towards the establishment of a communications network among members to facilitate information sharing, and to be able to disseminate drug information to those who may require such for constructive purposes; 2) Consideration should be given to the setting up of a DIN Secretariat/Staffing to support the achievements of the DIN’s mission as set out in the National Drug Strategy Master Plan, also, to serve as liaison with the CICAD/OAS; 3) DIN should be elevated and become the facilitation unit for aspects of the Drug Master Plan, for example, Chapter 3 – Demand Reduction; 49 4) The Drug Information Network and the Ministry of Health should collaborate to conduct research on the use of drugs in the general population (Household survey); 5) The Ministry of Health and the DIN should collaborate to conduct specialized training for personnel involved in drug abuse prevention; 6) The Ministry of Education should play a more vital role in collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the Drug Information Network, to implement additional school programmes to assist in prevention; 7) The Ministry of Health should establish minimum standards of care for the treatment of drug dependency.